The 2009 Humanitarian Appeal for Somalia is launched in Nairobi

Nairobi, 1 December 2008: The Humanitarian Appeal for Somalia was launched today in Nairobi by the United Nations Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator for Somalia Mark Bowden. This year's appeal is seeking US$918,844,549 for some 200 projects from 14 United Nations agencies, 32 International NGOs and 39 National NGOs.

The increase in scope and funding size of the Somalia appeal from US$662 million in 2008 to nearly US$919 million for 2009 reflects not only the dramatic increase in the number of people in need but also the sharp rise in commodity and delivery costs for Somalia. The latest surveys conducted by the UN Food Security Analysis Unit confirm the continuing humanitarian crisis, particularly in central Somalia where some levels of severe malnutrition are nearly 6%, and highlights need for urgent interventions to save lives and livelihoods.

"What we are looking at today is a situation in which nearly half the population is in crisis or need of assistance. There is no doubt it has reached an undeniable level of immensity," said UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, Mr. Mark Bowden. "Without question, throughout 2008, humanitarian operations have struggled to address the widening crisis and support the growing number of vulnerable populations in an environment of shrinking humanitarian space. In this difficult enviroment, humanitarian operations have overall delivered what was needed where it was needed in a timely manner. In addition to an integrated response for health, nutrition, water and sanitation for immediate life-saving purposes, parallel livelihood support is urgently needed to prevent households from falling into intractable poverty given the high food prices, loss of assets and lack of access to food. We can, and we must, do this in 2009."

The humanitarian situation reached a new low point in 2008. Continuous instability and conflict, economic crisis and deepening drought have all led to the rapid deterioration in the humanitarian situation and a dramatic increase in the vulnerability of Somalis. The projection of those in need in Somalia is 3.2 million people, representing 40% of the total population. An estimated one in six children under the age of five in Southern and Central Somalia is currently acutely malnourished.

In a presentation at the launch of the Appeal, UNICEF East and Southern Africa Regional Director, Per Engebak, called on the international community to continue its assistance to the people of Somalia. "Somalis should not be doubly punished for the conflict within their country. In spite of the security situation we must provide assistance. And while it is difficult, it is not impossible to respond effectively to the humanitarian situation. This funding is critical if UN agencies and their humanitarian partners are to effectively address an annual caseload of 300,000 acutely malnourished children; if we are to reach the 65% of children who are not immunised against preventable diseases; and provide schools as safe learning spaces for children caught up in the cross-fire of a conflict not of their making."

The 2008 humanitarian appeal (2008 CAP) for Somalia was 70% funded as of 1 December 2008. However, there are some variations in funding levels between sectors. Some key sectors, such as safety & security for staff (8%), agriculture & livelihoods (24%), health (40%), education (42%) and protection (42%), required urgent attention if the humanitarian community is to undertake an integrated response and maintain the current level of operations.

The global Consolidated Appeal was launched in Geneva on 19 November. Some $7 billion total is being sought jointly by aid agencies to meet the most pressing needs of 30 million people in Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kenya, the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, Uganda, West Africa, and Zimbabwe as well as Somalia.

For further information, please call: Dawn Elizabeth Blalock, OCHA Somalia, +254-734-210-102 blalock@un.org or Rita Maingi, +254 734 800 120 email: maingir@un.org. OCHA Somalia press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org/somalia